Wednesday, March 2, 2011

A campaign to counter homophobia is aiming to send information to as many schools as possible before International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia in May.

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation will send out as many Safer Schools packs as possible in a bid to tackle homophobia in the education system.

The packs are inspired by GLSEN’s Safe Space Kits in America.

They include notes for assemblies, lessons and presentations, a DVD featuring Coronation Street’s Antony Cotton and Sir Ian McKellen, support for teachers, posters, stickers, balloons, resources, signposting and support.

With a £20 donation, members of the public can nominate a school to receive a pack.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission found that two thirds of lesbian, gay, and bisexual young people in England report being bullied, and that as a group they performed 15% worse at GCSE level.

The same research also found that 1 in 6 English secondary school teachers believe that their school is very active in promoting respect for its lesbian, gay and bisexual students.

Paul Martin, Chief Executive of the Lesbian & Gay Foundation said: “The statistics speak for themselves, and in the past few weeks alone here at the LGF we have had a number of very concerning emails from young people in UK schools, who have got in touch with us because they are suffering from homophobic bullying and didn’t know where else to turn.

“All students – regardless of their sexual orientation – have the right to learn and achieve in a safe and welcoming environment.

“The Safer Schools Packs are about helping schools make this happen. Please donate to buy a Safer Schools Pack, to make sure young people have the opportunity to access to the right kind of education and support.”

International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia is celebrated on 17 May.

Enough is Enough! Action Against Homophobia campaign was launched on International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia last year to raise awareness of the impact of homophobia, and to bring people together to take positive action against homophobia.